Sandra‘s Closet

As announced in June, this weekend, LuisaViaRoma hosted the fourth edition of the charity event LuisaViaRoma for UNICEF. Unfortunately, due to my holidays in South of France, I couldn’t be there. What a pity as the event looked amazing.

Held in the magical Certosa San Giacomo of Capri, the unforgettable event featured a cocktail reception, a gala dinner and a live auction of luxury items and experiences conducted by Harry Dalmeny of Sotheby’s.

Mother of three: beautiful Karolina Kurkova

International celebrities, philanthropists and notable guests from all over the world attended the night and helped raise more than 5 million euros to sustain UNICEF’s work in providing care and protection to vulnerable children across the globe.

Maria Sillandi, Andrea Panconesi and his daughter Luisa Panconesi

The event, hosted by Andrea Panconesi, CEO of LuisaViaRoma, Paolo Rozera, UNICEF Italia Executive Director, and Tommaso Chiabra, Fundraising Chairman UNICEF Italia, saw performances by Italian revelation singer Madame, as well as special live acts by global pop superstar Katy Perry and Grammy-winning artist John Legend.

Katy Perry with her husband, actor Orlando Bloom

At the end of the night guests were treated to a very special surprise when John Legend joined Katy Perry on stage for a duet performance of Moon River.

Like mother, like daughter: Leni and Heidi Klum

The attendance of notable guests made the night even more special, amongst them: Orlando Bloom, Vanessa Hudgens, Maria Bakalova, Saweetie, Heidi and Leni Klum, Natasha Poly, Emily Ratajkowski, Nicky Hilton Rothschild, Sydney Sweeney, Olivia Culpo, Sabrina Elba, Tina Kunakey, Cindy Bruna, Jon Kortajarena, Frida Aasen, Lais Ribeiro, Dylan Penn, Eiza González, Nat Kelley and Karolina Kurkova.

Emily Ratajkowski and Vanessa Hudgens

The incredible live auction included amazing lots such as Steve McQueen‘s own 1961 Cooper Formula Junior race car; a rare «Astronomia» watch by Jacob & Co.; fine artworks by the likes of Andy Warhol, Alex Israel, Richard Orlinski, and a Pablo Picasso Drawing Notebook; a Yamaha Grand Piano played by John Legend during his performance; a week-long vacation on the new amels 74m superyacht Synthesis and a Portfolio of 10 iconic images from Capri and Amalfi coast by Slim Aarons.

During the evening, a stunning art performance took place, Franchise Freedom by DRIFT, a breathtaking display of hundreds of flying drones over the skies of La Certosa. The extravagant performance left guests speechless.

Nicky Hilton Rothschild

In past editions, LuisaViaRoma helped raise an astonishing total of 8 million Euros to support UNICEF’s programs in helping to make every child count.

LoL, Sandra

A family affair: Heidi’s husband Tom Kaulitz was also at the event.

Photos: © Getty Images for Luisaviaroma

Here are some amazing summer fragrances that’ll transport your nose to sunnier shores. From Dior‘s interpretation of a French Riviera icon, to Louis Vuitton‘s Californian Dream, there’s almost too many brand new summer perfumes to treat yourself to this season. Here are my favorites:

ON THE BEACH by LOUIS VUITTON

On the Beach, the new perfume by Louis Vuitton, recounts the delights of the coastline and the desire for wide open spaces, a blissful long stretch of beach, and the peaceful rush of the ocean. It is a Citrus Aromatic fragrance for women and men. I liked it a lot, as it really evokes the memories of laying at the beach.

Top Notes: Yuzu and Neroli
Middle Notes: Pink Pepper, Rosemary, Sand, Thyme and Cloves
Base Note: Cypress

EDEN-ROC by DIOR

This new fragrance dedicated to the iconic Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, is a burst of emotion that lingers in the air like a gentle Mediterranean breeze. A bright encapsulation of the Riviera, its balanced blend of mineral and plant essences invoke the feeling of discovery in a landscape of paradisiacal beauty. It is an a Amber Floral fragrance for women and men.

Top Notes: Sea Salt, Citruses and Mineral notes
Middle Notes: Jasmine and Coconut
Base Note: Pine Tree and Labdanum

SOLEIL BLANC by TOM FORD

This Amber Floral fragrance is for women and men. Unexpected, sultry and addictive, this solar floral scent has been one of my summer favorites since its launch in 2016. It evokes emote private islands where summer lasts all year.

Top Notes: Pistachio, Bergamot, Cardamom and Pink Pepper
Middle Notes: Tuberose, Ylang-Ylang and Jasmine
Base Note: Coconut, Amber, Tonka Bean and Benzoin

COCO MADEMOISELLE L’EAU BRUME DE PARFUM by CHANEL

The iconic scent switches to summer mode. Specially devised for the warmer days, this limited edition reveals a fresher and fruitier aspect of the fragrance with a formula as light as a perfume mist. A summer variation that allows fans of the scent’s boldness to enjoy its citrus and floral notes without moderation. It is a is a Chypre Fruity fragrance for women.

Top Notes: Orange and Bergamot
Middle Notes: Rose and Jasmine
Base Note: White Musk

No 9 ~ wunderwind ~ by LENGLING

This bold yet sensual composition is as wonderfully invigorating as a walk in a shady grove of pine trees. The fresh, spicy fragrance of the needles and Mediterranean herbs is perfectly combined with the warm breeze blown across from the nearby sea. Honey and soft musk will caress your soul and awaken its vitality…

LENG-Note: «Shady pine tree grove»
Pine needles absolue, honey, rosemary, thyme absolue, resiny incense
LING-Note: «Sunny sea»
Sea breeze tones, floral ozone notes, lemon, musk, watermelon

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, Courtesy of the Brands
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Enhance your skin with the sheen of good hydration. Here are four body oils that I absolutely adore. Some of them even work well for your hair and face. Forget the greasy oils of years past: the new age of luxury products is here, which means you can douse yourself in ultra-sumptuous floral scented or sparkling goodies that leave your limbs gleaming without any unfortunate residue or stickiness.

HUILE PRODIGIEUSE NÉROLI by NUXE

Nourish your glow. Discover this iconic multi-purpose organic certified dry oil, which leaves your skin nourished, smoothed and beautified; and the hair shiny and moisturized. This summer, its soothing fragrance with notes of Neroli brings calm and serenity. It has a proven antioxidant effectiveness and helps reduce the appearance of stretch marks.

GOLD LUST ALL OVER OIL by ORIBE

Replenish and restore with a curated blend of 17 intensely nourishing and protective natural oils. Rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids, this luminous beauty elixir nourishes, protects and locks in moisture from head to toe. Designed to hydrate and soften hair, body, face and décolleté. May also be used as a deep treatment for hair overnight or a conditioning beard oil. Regardless of where it’s used, this fast-absorbing oil is sure to leave behind an all-day radiant glow.

PEONIA NOBILE SHIMMERING OIL by ACQUA DI PARMA

A shimmering veil dresses the body leaving it sparkling, silky and sensually scented with the vivacious notes of Peonia Nobile. A special blend with unique oils combined to enhance skin’s radiance and leave it hydrated and perfectly soft. The formula is enriched with Jojoba Oil, with emollient properties and Pomegranate Seed Oil and Shea Butter, both with conditioning action. Different size multi-reflective sparkles ensure the long lasting shimmering effect. This product should only be used on your body.

SOLEIL BLANC SHIMMERING BODY OIL by TOM FORD BEAUTY

Not only does this oil capture the aromatic essence of a tropical island, it also leaves skin bronzed and glistening as if it was actually kissed by the sun. Quick-drying and lightweight, this silky formula is infused with luminous golden shimmer and boosts nourishment without feeling greasy or sticky. Smooth it over your décolletage, shoulders and arms for irresistible radiance.

Happy Holidays!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

I just love being in Saint Tropez with its vibrant atmosphere. A few days ago we celebrated Patrick’s birthday at our hotel, the iconic Byblos Saint Tropez. I wore this amazing mesh gown which is surprisingly also extremely comfortable. Sparkling the night away… we finished in the early morning hours! Don’t mesh with me… that is for sure.

My look: Open-back crystal-embellished mesh maxi dress by David Koma, Palmette crystal-embellished suede cross-body bag by Christian Louboutin, silver-tone, crystal and faux pearl clip earrings by Alessandra Rich, Angel leather platform sandals by Gucci, bracelets and Panthère de Cartier Manchette 22mm 18-karat rose gold and diamond watch, all by Cartier.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Michael HJ Lopez Photographie (amazing photograph based in St. Tropez)
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In April this year, I introduced you to CHANEL‘s amazing watch capsule collection CHANEL ELECTRO, with graphic codes borrowed from Electro culture.

In the 1990s, this music genre offered a radically original reflection of the night-time world and ambience within which it developed. Electronic music moved beyond the bounds of music to generate an authentic aesthetic culture. Performance became all-encompassing, a sensory, graphic experience that transcended sound. Inseparable from the venues where it evolved, Electro culture developed into a fully fledged artistic genre. At the heart of this narrative lies the confrontation between black and white and color. Color lights up white. Deep black intensifies color.

Needless to say, I couldn’t resist and am so happy about this new addition in my watch closet: PREMIÈRE ELECTRO watch that is a limited edition of only 555 pieces.

Steel case with black ADLC treatment. Steel caseback. Steel crown with onyx cabochon. Black-lacquered dial with neon pink CHANEL logo. Triple row steel chain bracelet with black ADLC treatment interwoven with neon rainbow leather strap. High precision quartz movement. Water-resistance: 30 meters. Functions: hours, minutes. Dimensions: 23.6 x 15.8 x 6.2 mm.

The watch bracelet comes in different sizes. I am wearing an XS.

And there is more. The Première introduces its Electro edition with 7 Watchmaking creations displayed in a presentation box.

PREMIÈRE ELECTRO BOX
PREMIÈRE ELECTRO BOX presents a graphic polyptych of 7 watches arranged to create an
ultra-vivid color field. An intense contrast between the depth of the black and the neon colors
of the leather straps that encircle the wrist. An ode to color and a promise of an easy, relaxed
look for every day of the week.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © CHANEL and © David Biedert Photography
#CHANELElectro #CHANELPremiere #CHANELWatches

Next stop on the 40th Anniversary Tour — Downtown LA! OPI transports its consumers to the contemporary streets of downtown Los Angeles, where big city culture meets modern expansion for the Fall 2021 collection. With 12 colors in four different formulas in hues ranging from trans-seasonal to the dramatic, the Downtown LA Collection offers a versatile palette.

Gender-fluid hues of lilac and pink mix with warm autumn tones of metallic rose and rich auburn brown. Bold hues of raspberry, cherry red, plum, and green pine are counterbalanced by post punk dusty and dark shades of blue and gray.

«This fall, we’re continuing our hometown 40th anniversary celebration and exploring an area of the city that’s been shaped by the heritage of many cultures — downtown Los Angeles,» remarks OPI Co-Founder and Brand Ambassador Suzi Weiss-Fischmann.

«With this collection, we’ve blended historic downtown LA with new revival; this concept is epitomized by the shade Abstract After Dark, which is an updated version of Lincoln Park After Dark, OPI’s iconic vampy dark hue. Inspired by the glittering nights of Los Angeles, this new shade pairs deep blue hues of blue and purple with the shimmering sparkle of sunset along the city skyline.»

7th & Flower

Shade names speak to favorite downtown locales: 7th & Flower is an iconic intersection in the heart of the city, Isn’t It Grand Avenue is home to major art museums like The Broad and MOCA, Angel’s Flight to Starry Nights was inspired by the Angel’s Flight railway in Bunker Hill, My Studio’s on Spring is named after Spring Street, Graffiti Sweetie pays homage to all the vibrant murals, and Art Walk in Suzi’s Shoes is a nod to the art district’s many art walks.

Abstract After Dark

The 12 Downtown LA Collection shades will be available in GelColor, Infinite Shine and Nail Lacquer formulas, including:

Metallic Composition
A shimmery rose gold that’s a sketch of your imagination.
Graffiti Sweetie
Make a statement with this perfectly sweet crème lilac.
(P)Ink on Canvas
A pastel crème blush for your own interpretation.
Espresso Your Inner Self
Bring out your inner artist with a deep espresso brown.
7th & Flower
Bloom into a magenta motif with this ode to Downtown LA.
Art Walk in Suzi’s Shoes
A crimson crème red made for walking into galleries.

Violet Visionary

Isn’t It Grand Avenue
Channel museum nights with this intensely dark navy blue.
Angel’s Flight to Starry Nights
Twinkle with a shimmery wash of dusky cool blue.
OPI DTLA
A deep downtown gray you’ll absolutely fall for.
Abstract After Dark
A shimmery midnight purple that will spark your creativity.
Violet Visionary
Hue will be posing in this rich violet crème.
My Studio’s On Spring
A lush, deep green that’s a work of art.

My Studio’s On Spring

GelColor provides a salon-perfect finish with up to three-week wear, while Infinite Shine offers a highshine finish and traditional lacquer application. Nail Lacquer features a highly pigmented, rich formula for even application without streaking.

Launch date Switzerland: 16th August 2021
24.90 CHF per Infinite Shine (15 ml)
19.90 CHF per Nail Lacquer (15 ml)

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of OPI #OPISwitzerland #OPIDowntownLA

Louis Vuitton introduces the Vendôme Flex collection, three signature staple styles for the men’s wardrobe.

This classic and timeless line includes a Derby shoe, loafer and Chelsea boot, and combines shoemaking expertise with all of today’s needs for comfort and elegance. Each of the three Vendôme Flex styles requires the mastery of expert artisans at the Louis Vuitton shoe workshop in Fiesso d’Artico, Italy. The traditional Goodyear-welted seam has been enhanced with a new flex technique, the result of an extensive reworking of the traditional sole, lining, and upper leather to improve their softness. Special technical materials have also been placed within the insole to provide comfort formerly reserved for sneakers.

Comfort aside, these iconic and timeless shapes exude a modern and relaxed attitude in a contemporary style. The Derby is made from a single piece of waxed calfskin, while the loafer and Chelsea boot feature accents of Louis Vuitton’s emblematic Monogram canvas across the former’s upper, and along the tab of the latter. Crafted in the finest leathers and sublimed by exceptional craftmanship, the three Vendôme Flex styles indulge in a world of supple elegance, breathing independence and freedom with every step.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton

Greetings from Saint-Tropez! I am so happy to be back in this picturesque town where you can party day and night. This was my outfit that I wore to the birthday luncheon of a dear friend at Gigi Ramatuelle, a new place that I can absolutely recommend. Lovely ambiance, great food, fun music and a fantastic crowd.

My look: La Medusa lace-trimmed printed silk-twill bustier top, La Medusa pleated printed satin midi skirt, Trésor de la Mer silk hat, Trésor de la Mer face mask, Trésor de la Mer gold-tone crystal choker, Trésor de la Mer gold-tone crystal bracelet, and Trésor de la Mer gold-tone crystal earrings, all by Versace, Jodie mini knotted leather tote by Bottega Veneta, Oyster Perpetual 36 with turquoise dial by Rolex, Whisper metallic leather wedge sandals by Aquazzura, and long gold-tone and shell necklace, by Isabel Marant.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht (Thank you, Patrick!)
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

The ’90s are making a comeback. Like history, fashion has a tendency to repeat itself. From your ‘90s childhood you need to start wearing leggings and oversized denim shirts again. Personally speaking, it feels so bizarre seeing my own daughter sporting all those looks three decades later. However, I have always loved being a ’90s child and am indulging in this revival, mixing new and vintage pieces.

My look: Ribbed-knit crop top, logo-plaque leggings, oversized denim shirt, and white leather loafers, all by Prada, vintage sunglasses (GG 2418) by Gucci, fan leather earrings by Isabel Marant.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Rian Davidson 
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

 After a fashion show staged as a real fantasy – almost-impossibly presented in the landscape of Cortina d’Ampezzo in the Dolomites Alps – the F/W 2021 Miu Miu collection designed by Miuccia Prada returns to the context of fashion, itself another fantasy of realities, exploring the power of clothes as a conveyance of character, an expression of strength. 

As this collection champions the notion of bravery and intrepid exploration, the hero of this Miu Miu campaign is the actor Emma Corrin – whose courage in her abandonment, whole-heartedly, to every role, has boldly powered her to international prominence. Acting requires innate courage – emotional bravery, the baring of one’s soul, to bring fantasies to life. 

An actor’s craft is to lend fact to fiction, to embody people other than themselves. Corrin’s career has been marked by the power of her performances – her paradoxical bravery in showing her own vulnerability, the strength of character she can convey. Here, Corrin is captured in a direct and arresting series of studio portraits, her gaze in each an echo of female archetypes – joyful and reflective, serious or seductive – photographed by Steven Meisel with creative direction by M/M Paris. Her personality projects onto every image – staring boldly from the picture plane, framed in a new context. 

Miu Miu celebrates bravery, boldness – it is rooted in and inspired by communities of women, in the power of the collective. Here, Corrin shifts between different identities, different sense of self – playful or powerful, fragile but strong. Accompanying the print campaign, a series of five short films allow Corrin to reinvent herself once more – as different characters, within different personae. Corrin reads aloud a series of anecdotes, recollections, remembrances – recounting memories, true and imaginary, in her own voice and those of others. Again, lines are blurred: is Corrin acting, or actual – are these her words, or a script? 

Throughout, both films and imagery constantly interrogate our ideas and ideals of reality and fantasy, the courage needed to traverse between the two. As Corrin gives her characters strength, Miu Miu clothes its wearers for brave endeavours. 

The first episode of ‘A BRAVE HEART’ films is online at miumiu.com. Watch the trailer HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Miu Miu CREDITS: Creative Direction: M/M (Paris) – Photographer: Steven Meisel – Videographer: Benn Northover – Styling: Lotta Volkova – Talent: Emma Corrin